People of influence: Paul Flynn

He was The News-Press' publisher from 1977 to 1983 but had a bigger impact as president of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Susan Bennett, a past chairwoman of the foundation, wrote of Flynn, "He was a tireless advocate for the poor, a catalyst for change and a devoted husband and father."

Flynn hit town in 1977, when the area didn't have a four-year university. He helped change that. One way was a six-month campaign of daily editorials about need for a university. The editorials eventually helped make Florida Gulf Coast University a reality.

Flynn was catalyst for building a housing complex for low-income elderly. He launched a relief effort after Hurricane Charley. During 10 years at the foundation, 1997-2007, assets rose from $13.6 million to $54 million and grants and scholarships grew from $800,000 to $5 million.